Isolated Pancreas Stem Cells Can Become Beta Cells

Nov. 14, 2012

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers led by Leonard Harrison, DSc, identified and isolated stem cells from the pancreas, and they thenderived insulin-producing beta cells. While other groups have generated beta cells from pancreatic cells, this PLoSONE study underscores the regenerative potential of a patient’s own stem cells, which could potentially be harnessed to treat type 1 diabetes.